Don’t Get Bitten by EKANS, the Newest Ransomware Risk

Is there a snake in your computer system? Snake ransomware
has emerged as a new threat, and industrial control systems could be at risk. The
malware is also called EKANS, the backwards spelling of snake – but whichever
term people use, it’s got a venomous bite. Here’s how this new cyberattack
could threaten your operations.

Ransomware Takes Aim

The Snake malware is new, but ransomware has been a serious
threat for a while now – and the attacks keep evolving.

In October 2019, the FBI issued a public service announcement
warning that ransomware attacks were “becoming more targeted, sophisticated,
and costly.” Losses had increased significantly as a result.

Attacks typically work by encrypting files and then
demanding a ransom in exchange for the return of those files. Because many
businesses depend on their computer systems, the loss of files can be
devastating.

The new Snake ransomware is different, though. It’s designed
to attack industrial control systems, and that could cause major problems.

The Evolution of a Snake

According to Insurance
Thought Leadership, the new Snake malware is similar to the Stuxnet
attack, which attacked Iran’s centrifuges in 2009 and set back the country’s
nuclear program.

Now, according to WIRED,
security firms say that Snake is designed to target industrial control systems.
The malware could impact manufacturing facilities, power grids, oil refineries
and other types of companies.

Snake ransomware is dangerous and new, but it may not be the
first of its kind. According to WIRED, security firm Dragos reported a
ransomware called Megacortex last year. Both types of ransomware had the
ability to target industrial organizations and pose a significant threat to
systems.

After systems are infected with Snake ransomware, the victim
will receive a ransom request, as has been seen with other types of ransomware.

A Threat to All Industries

The FBI warns that “Cyber criminals use a variety of
techniques to infect victim systems with ransomware. Cyber criminals upgrade
and change their techniques to make their attacks more effective and to prevent
detection.”

Previous ransomware campaigns have targeted healthcare
organizations and government agencies. The new Snake malware is a threat to
industrial control systems. Future forms of ransomware may target other
industries.

Whether your business is large or small, and regardless of
the type of industry you’re in, ransomware is a threat that you can’t afford to
ignore. As ransomware campaigns continue to evolve into increasingly
sophisticated and targeted attacks, everyone is vulnerable.

According to the FBI, cybercriminals often exploit email
phishing campaigns, remote desktop protocol vulnerabilities and software
vulnerabilities in order to infect computer systems. Businesses must take steps
to eliminate cybersecurity weaknesses – before a snake gets in.

On that note, we’re proud to
share that Silvervine Software upholds strict cyber security measures. Each
year, we go through the SOC 1 (SSAE 16) Type 2 examination: an independent accreditation that
demonstrates our commitment to the quality and security of the services we
offer. When it comes to policy administration systems, don’t accept anything less.